The Detroit Tigers lost out to the New York Mets on a trade for St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley.
The Detroit Tigers have been busy adding bullpen arms to the team so far at the trade deadline. With a little under six hours to go until the deadline, Detroit has added Kyle Finnegan, Paul Seawald, and Rafael Montero to the team's bullpen.
While the Tigers didn't land one of the top names, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports that the Tigers were involved in trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals for closer Ryan Helslye, one of the top closers, before he was dealt to the New York Mets.
"Sources: The Tigers were in talks with the Cardinals for Ryan Helsley before the Mets acquired him," Morosi reports. "Helsley is a pending free agent; Detroit has preferred controllable options, such as Pirates closer David Bednar."
Sources: The Tigers were in talks with the Cardinals for Ryan Helsley before the Mets acquired him.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2025
Helsley is a pending free agent; Detroit has preferred controllable options, such as Pirates closer David Bednar. @MLBNetwork
Detroit has been in the market for a closer-type reliever, and while Finnegan has experience, securing 20 saves (the same amount as Helsley this season), his 4.38 ERA this season is a concern.
Helsley has a 3.00 ERA, and the prestige of a two-time All-Star who led the league in saves in 2024. He would've been a great pickup for Detroit, which sorely needs to bolster its bullpen, especially after its implosions in July.
MORE: Tigers’ Chris Paddack breaks silence on trade, takes subtle jab at Twins
But, they missed on Helsley, with the Mets landing the Cardinals' closer for a haul of prospects. Detroit pivoted to the trio of relievers they've added, and while not the best additions, they should help round out the bullpen for a postseason push.
While the Tigers prefer a controllable reliever, Finnegan, Montero, and Seawald are rentals. Not only did they miss out on Helsley, one of their top options, but they've also missed out on landing a reliever who will be around past 2025.
There's still time for the Tigers to swing a deal for a reliever who's around for more than just 2025, but after adding three relievers, the Tigers could be done improving the bullpen.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Astros get great news on Jeremy Pena's return date from injury
- Astros trade rumors spell bad news for Isaac Paredes amid injury
- Cardinals to trade Ryan Helsley to Mets ahead of trade deadline
- MLB insider has bold Astros take amid pursuit of Padres' Dylan Cease
- Guardians seeing 'aggressive' pursuit for Steven Kwan from Mets, Phillies
- Padres considering 'big' move at trade deadline, according to Jeff Passan
Category: Baseball
